Border crossings on the Silk Road

Border crossings on the Silk Road have a tendency to close unexpectedly and be located on some snowy mountain pass. Overlanders can use the below map and list of country guides to decide on their Silk Road itinerary.

Please understand that this guide is an indication. However hard we try to keep up to date with recent developments, we cannot guarantee that a certain border crossing will be open or closed.

Border crossings legend

Green: openYellow: open, conditionallyRed: closedAzure: Bilateral border crossing: only for residents of the 2 countries of the border crossing.Purple: not enough information

Warning: border areas are highly sensitive areas. Do not go near a border unless you are planning to cross at a border crossing. Just being near a border is already suspicious in many countries, and having a camera on you is even more so.

Bribes

A word about bribes at the border. There is some chance that you will be asked for a bribe at the border crossing, mostly in Tajikistan, and that you make a legitimate offence in Uzbekistan. Be sure to read these chapters. At other borders, there is little chance of being asked for money illegitimately. Should you run into trouble, it is wise to stay polite and act like you have no idea what they are talking about. They will eventually tire of you and let you go.